Convertible diffuser



Sept. 1, 1959 Filed June 18, 1956 w. R. CARNES CONVERTIBLE DIFFUSER 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 "3) W 2 2 7 f 3/ i... .i l 1' M 5 e v I 7 7 5 INVIENTOR WWW ATTORNEY Sept. 1, 1959 w. R. CARNES CONVERTIBLE DIFFUSER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 18, 1956 Patented Sept. 1, 1959 fire 2,901,958 CONVERTIBLE DIFFUSER Wilbur R. (James, Madison, Wis., assignor, by rn'esne assignments, to Caveco Corporation, a corporation of Wisconsin Application June 18, 1956, Serial No. 591,966

4 Claims. (Cl. 9840) This invention relates to diffusers and it more specifically resides in a diffuser having a first shell member with a central opening and a slideway alongside the opening that mounts a slide movable in a horizontal path, from which slide extends a cross member forming a horizontal track disposed at an angle to the slide, said track in turn supporting an inner shell member slidable along the track, whereby the inner shell member may be moved relative to the first shell member in either of two horizontal paths to alter the air flow pattern and the appearance of the diffuser.

In the selection of a diffuser for a given location, consideration must be given to both the air flow pattern most desirable for that location and the ornamental appearance. For a location well within an uninterrupted ceiling area, such as the center of a room or lobby, a diffuser will usually be selected that has a flow pattern uniformly distributing the air in all directions, and the appearance should usually be that of concentric shells. On the other hand, for a location near an interruption in the ceiling area, such as a position adjacent side walls at a corner of a room, a diffuser will usually be selected that discharges air principally toward the open central areas of the room, away from the adjacent walls. Such diffuser will also be selected with the thought of blending its appearance with the side walls. Thus, for most air conditioning installations utilizing diffusers several diffuser constructions, each having a particular flow pattern, are required to satisfy the variety of locations involved. Each diffuser must have an ornamentation matching the others, and at the same time be distinctive in that it matches its particular location.

To supply the trade "with a variety of decorative configurations, to satisfy the many decorative themes of todays interiors, requires a burdensome stock, since for each configuration there must be variations both as to appearance and air flow patterns. Such stock often becomes excessive from the standpoint of economic inventory practices. In the practice of the present invention, however, the number of stock items can be materially reduced, without sacrifice in the variety of ornamental styling offered. This objective is accomplished by providing a diffuser in which the shell members are relatively movable with respect to one another. The shells may then be displaced to a side, or a corner, and such relative displacement alters both the air flow pattern and the appearance in a compatible manner. For example, if the diffuser shells be moved to a corner of the diffuser, to blend with a room corner, the air flow pattern is accordingly altered, to direct the air away from the sides that will be adjacent the walls. A single diffuser is convertible for use in a variety of locations, and where it has heretofore been necessary to employ as many diffuser constructions as there are types of location, it is now possible to satisfy all such locations with one basic diffuser construction.

It is an object of this, invention to provide a diffuser that has shells relatively movable in a horizontal plane to change both the air flow pattern and the appearance.

It is another object of this invention to provide a single form of diffuser that may be utilized in a variety of locations requiring a like variety of air flow patterns.

It is another object of this invention to provide a diffuser wherein the shells may be shifted relative to one another to meet the requirements of a variety of locations, to effect a reduction in the number of models heretofore required in the offering of an adequate selection to the trade.

It is another object of this invention to provide a diffuser that is convertible from one configuration of nested shells to another configuration, to increase the versatility of the diffuser.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention 'will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which there is shown by *way of illustration and not of limitation a specific form in which the invention may be embodied.

In the drawings:

Fig. l is a bottom view of a diffuser embodying the invention,

Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the diffuser of Fig. 1, with the shells of the diffuser shifted relative to one another toward a corner,

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the diffuser with the shells in the centered position, as also shown in Fig. 1,

Fig. 4 is a view in section of the diffuser taken on the plane 4-4- shown in Figs. 1 and 3, and

Fig. 5 is a view in section of the diffuser taken on the plane 5-5 shown in Fig. 2.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown a diffuser 1 suitable for attachment to an air duct outlet, for introduction of air into a room, lobby or the like. Air entering the room through the diffuser 1 will be diffused without creating undesirable drafts, in conformance with usual air conditioning practices. The diffuser 1 not only serves as an ideal means of introducing air to a room, but also has an attractive appearance that may suitably enhance the decor of the room in which it is employed.

The diffuser 1 has a fixed shell 2 comprised of a horizontal section 3 with a large, square central opening defined by four upwardly extending neck portions 4. The horizontal section 3 has an upwardly turned outer flange 5, and a gasket 6 lays to the immediate inside of the flange 5 on the upper surface of the horizontal section 3. A set of openings 7 in the horizontal section 3 provide a means for attachment of the diffuser 1 to either a duct outlet, a ceiling joist or other satisfactory member. In mounting the diffuser 1 the gasket 6 is tightly compressed between the horizontal section 3 and ceiling structure immediately above to eliminate air leaks and unsightly crevices. The neck portions 4 are proportioned to match the associated duct work with a tight fit, to insure that air flow from the duct will pass through the central opening of the fixed shell 2.

A second shell member 8 is formed with four downwardly and outwardly flaring sidewalls 9. A neck portion 10 of the shell member 8 extends upward into the neck of the fixed shell 2 and forms a square central opening for the shell member 8 that is smaller than that of the fixed shell 2. Thus, a portion of the air passing through the fixed shell 2 will also pass through the neck portion 10, and the remainder will flow to the outside of the neck of the shell member 8, to be deflected outwardly and sidewardly by the sidewalls 9, thereby dispersing the air flow over a greater area for a diffuse entry into the room to be ventilated.

A third shell member 1.1 is nested within the second shell member 8, and is of a similar square configuration. The shell 11 comprises four downwardly and outwardly flaring sidewalls 12 and a neck 13 having a square central opening smaller than that of the shell 8. Beneath the opening of the shell 11 is a flat horizontal bafile shell 14 which is turned upwardly at its periphery 15. The baflle shell 14 obstructs the downward flow of air passing through the central opening of the shell 11, and turns it sidewardly to prevent drafts directly beneath the diffuser 1.

The shells 8, 11 and 14 are supported in such a manner, which will be described more fully, that they may be horizontally shifted relative to one another, In the particular construction shown two paths of horizontal shift are provided for each shell 8,- 11, 14. Each path is normal to a set of opposite sidewalls, and the two paths of shift are, in turn, at right angles to one another.

If it is desired to place the shells 8, 11 and 14 on a common center they are disposed as shown in Fig. l, and in such arrangement the air flowing through the diffuser 1 will be dispersed evenly from the four sides of the apparatus. The balanced air flow is matched by a balanced appearance of the shells 8, 11, 14, and hence the arrangement is ideal for locations in an uninterrupted ceilmg area.

If the diffuser 1 is to be installed in a corner, then the shells 8, 11, 14 may be moved into the position of Fig. 2. To achieve this position, each shell 8, .11, 14 is moved, relative to the next larger shell, first in one horizontal direction, and secondly in a horizontal direction normal to the first. The offset configuration of Fig. 2 will cause the air flow to have a predominant emergence from the diffuser 1 along the two sides away from the direction in which the shells 8, 11, 14 have been shifted. Thus, the air flow will be that desired for a corner installation, and the appearance of the diffuser 1 will be altered to match a ceiling corner.

Other configurations are possible, as will become evident from the description to follow, and thus a single diffuser may be utilized in a variety of locations, whereas in previous diffuser constructions it has been necessary to construct a number of distinct diffusers, one for each particular location desired.

Continuing now with the description, in Figs. 3 and 4 there is shown a pair of slideways 16 placed one on each of the inner faces of a pair of oppositely disposed neck portions 4 of the fixed shell 2. Each slideway 16 is formed of a sheet having a horizontal trough 17 facing outwardly, to form with the associated neck portion 4 an opening through which extends a slide 18 movable in a horizontal path. Each slide 18 is in the form of a rod extending alongside the associated neck portion 4 for sliding movement in either of two opposite directions, and extending between the ends of the slide rods 18 is a pair of cross rods 19 that are utilized as a pair of tracks. The slide rods 18 and track rods 19 are shown as being formed of one continuous rod, bent at four corners to form the individual rods 18, 19.

The track rods 19 extend alongside a pair of oppositely disposed sides of the neck of the second shell member 8, and fitted about each of the track rods 19 is a sliding member 20 that is secured to the neck 18, as shown in Figs. 3 and 5. The sliding members 29 are each formed of a sheet with a trough 21 partially encircling an associated track rod 19, similarly as the troughs 1'7 of the slideways 16 fit about the slide rods 18. In this construction the second shell member 8 is free to be moved in two horizontal paths normal to one another. In each path it may be shifted in opposite directions. Movement of the slide rods 18 causes displacement in one path, and movement along the track rods 19 causes displacement in the other path.

Referring again to Figs. 3 and 4, .a pair of slideways 22 are mounted on the inner faces of a pair of oppositely disposed sides of the neck 1% of the second shell member 8. The slideways 22 are similar to the slideways '16 and are also disposed in alike direction. A pair of slide rods 23, which are parallel to the slide rods 18 are received by the slideways 22. A pair of cross rods 24 span between the ends of the slide rods 23, to form tracks similarly as the track rods 19. Also, the track rods 24 and the slide rods 23 are formed as integral continuations of one another, similarly as slide rods 18 and track rods 19. The track rods 24 pass alongside outer faces of the neck 13 of the third shell member 11, as shown in Figs. 3 and 5, and sliding members 25 secured to outer faces of the neck 13 fit over the cross rods 24 to mount the third shell member 11. The third shell member 11 may be moved along the track rods 24 for displacement in one horizontal path, and by movement of the slide rods 23 the shell member 11 may be moved horizontally in another path normal to the first.

A third pair of slideways, designated by the numeral 26, are mounted on oppositely disposed inner faces of the neck 13 of the shell member 11. The slideways 26 parallel the slideways 16 and 22, and each slideway 26 mounts an axially movable slide rod 27. A pair of cross tracks 28 connect between the ends of the slide rods 27. Each cross track 28 is formed of a rod having a pair of depending legs 29 and a horizontal central section 30, forming the track portion of the element. The central sections 30 parallel one another, and also the cross tracks 19, 24. Immediately beneath the central sections 30 is the baffle shell 14, the battle shell 14 being supported from the tracks 28 by means of a pair of sliding members 31 extending over the tracks 28 and fixed to the upper face of the shell 14. The mounting for the battle shell 14 permits movement along two horizontal paths, which paths parallel those in which the shell members 8 and 11 may be moved.

The provision of a freedom of relative movement between the nested shells 8, 11, 14 in horizontal directions imparts a desirable versatility to the diffuser 1. One form of construction may be utilized in any of several locations. By a simple shift of the shells, not requiring any dismantling or supplementary assembly operation, a ditfuser may be adapted for either an uninterrupted ceiling area, for placement beside a wall, pillar or the like, or for placement in a corner. The number of stock items required are consequently reduced, and installation is simplified.

In the embodiment of the drawings each shell may be shifted horizontally along a first path by sliding along its supporting track rod. In Fig. 4 the lines in phantom illustrate such a shift, each shell being moved to the right to present a configuration ideal for installation alongside the edge of a ceiling area. By moving the slide rods the shells are shifted in a second horizontal path, normal to the first. If such movement be imparted to each shell, after movement to the phantom position of Fig. 4, then the configuration of Fig. 2 will be had, which is ideal for installation at a corner. Thus, for a diffuser of square configuration the nested shells may be moved relative to one another in the principal directions paralleling the sides of the square configuration, and by moving the shells first in one path and then in the other they may appear to have also been shifted along a diagonal.

If desired, the distance through which a shell may be displaced can be limited to advantage. For example, in Fig. 3 the right hand track rod 19 is shown as abutting the right hand end of the slideways 16. No further travel toward the left can be imparted to the shell 8, and with the right hand track rod 19 brought up against the slideways 16 the shell 8 is centered. Thus, upon an installation no careful selection of position for the shell 8 is required, it is merely moved to the left hand terminus of its path to achieve a centered position with respect to the next larger shell 2. Likewise, the shells 11 and 14 have a limited travel toward the left, as seen in Fig. 3. Travel toward the right, in Fig. 3, is limited for each shell 8, 11, 14 'by striking the neck of the next larger she'll. Thus, if installation calls for a maximum shift of the shells from centered position, no precautionary measurements need be made to achieve proper position. In Fig. 5 the shells 8, 11, 14 are shown shifted to one side, with each being brought up against the neck of the next larger shell to achieve the proper position for each, in which its margin only is seen from beneath, as in Fig. 2. Travel of the shells 8, 11 and 14 may be limited, as desired, in both paths of travel.

I claim:

1. In a diffuser for the distribution of air the combination comprising an annular outer stationary supporting shell with a central opening defining an air passage arranged for communication with a ventilating duct and having an outwardly extending flanged mounting portion; a pair of longitudinally extending substantially parallel supporting slideways and a pair of mating slides therefor, each slideway being mounted on the outer shell at opposite sides of the central opening and arranged to slidably receive a respective member of said pair of slides; said pair of slides being longitudinally movable in said slideways in opposed directions paralleling one another; opposed cross members angularly disposed relative to said pair of slides forming a pair or" substantially parallel tracks extending between and secured at each end to the respective opposed termini of each slide of said pair of slides; a pair of longitudinally extending substantially parallel supporting sliding members each longitudinally movable along a respective one of said tracks; and an inner annular shell member nested within and inwardly spaced from said outer shell and supported by said sliding members to move therewith along said pair of tracks, said inner shell member including a frusto-p-yramidal portion extending downwardly and angular-1y outwardly, the axes of said diffuser, said outer supporting shell, said inner shell member, and said frusto-pyramidal portion all being parallel.

2. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 in which movementof the slides in one direction is limited by a terminal end of a slideway on intersection of a relatively angularly disposed track therewith whereby the terminus of movement places the inner shell in a centered position with respect to the outer shell.

3. In a diffuser for the distribution of air the combination comprising an annular outer stationary supporting shell with a central opening defining an air passage arranged for communication with a ventilating duct and having an outwardly extending flanged mounting portion; a pair of longitudinally extending substantially parallel supporting slideways and a pair of mating slides therefor, each slideway being mounted on the outer shell at opposite sides of the central opening and arranged to slidably receive a respective member of said pair of slides; said pair of slides being each longitudinally movable in a slideway in a path paralleling that path of the other; and an inner shell member nested within and inwardly spaced from said outer shell, and a support member transversely of said slides and arranged to supportingly connect said slides with said inner shell for movement therewith, said inner shell member including a frusto-pyramidal portion extending downwardly and angularly outwardly, the axes of said difiuser, said outer supporting shell, said inner shell member, and said frusto-pyramidal portion all being parallel.

4. In a diffuser for the distribution of air having an annular outer stationary supporting shell member with a central opening defining an air passage arranged for communication with a ventilating duct and having an outwardly extending flanged mounting portion, and a plurality of nested inner shell members inwardly spaced from said outer shell member and successively inwardly from each other and each having a central opening communicable with the central opening of said outer shell to pass air entering the nested array, said inner shell members each respectively including a frusto-pyramidal portion extending downwardly and angularly outwardly, the axes of said diffuser, said outer supporting shell, said inner shell member, and said frusto-pyramidal portion all being parallel, the combination comprising a pair of parallel spaced slideways for each shell member mounted at opposite sides of the central opening of the respective shell member; a slide slidably received and supported by a respective slideway and movable therein; a cross track extending at an angle from and secured to an end of a respective slide; and a sliding member secured to a respective inner shell member and arranged to ride along each cross track, whereby such respective inner shell member may be moved along the cross track with its sliding memher, and may be also shifted by movement of the slide from which the associated cross track extends.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,504,472 Van Alsburg et a1 Apr. 18, 1950 2,772,624 Carnes Dec. 4, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS 501,402 Great Britain Feb. 23, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 2,901,958 September 1, 1959 Wilbur Ru Carnes It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected belOW; a

In the grant, lines 2' and 12, name of 'assignee, for "Caveco Corporatio read Carne's Corporation in the heading to the printed specification,

line 4, name of assignee, for Caveco Corporation" read Carne'e Corporation Signed and sealed this 12th day of April 1960 (SEAL) Attest:

KARL Ho AXLINE, ROBERT c. WATSON v Attesting Officer I Conmissioner of Patents 

